T-Cells and CAR T-Cells Therapy
Context:
A team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has demonstrated a new "gentler recovery method" for retrieving lab-grown T-cells.
This innovation uses scaffolds to grow the cells, which improves their viability and effectiveness compared to traditional flat-dish methods, potentially aiding the affordability and reliability of cancer care in India.
About T-Cells:
T-cells are a type of white blood cell (lymphocyte) that act as the body's "frontline soldiers."
They patrol the bloodstream to detect infections or abnormal cells (like cancer).
Upon detection, they either kill the harmful cells directly or signal other immune cells to join the fight.
About CAR T-Cell Therapy:
What is it?
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a form of immunotherapy where a patient's T-cells are collected and genetically engineered in a lab to recognize and destroy specific cancer cells.
The Process:
Apheresis:
White blood cells are removed from the patient's body via a catheter.
Transduction:
In a lab, a specific gene and an inactive virus are used to modify the T-cells to produce "chimeric antigen receptors" (CARs) on their surface.
Expansion:
The modified cells are grown (expanded) in large numbers.
Infusion:
The "supercharged" cells are infused back into the patient to hunt down cancer
Side Effects:
A common side effect is Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), where the immune system reacts strongly, causing high fever and shortness of breath.
Key Developments in India:
IIT Bombay Study:
Researchers found that T-cells grown on scaffolds were more effective at killing cancer cells than those grown on flat surfaces.
This method allows for retrieving cells without damaging them
India is advancing its own CAR T-cell journey through collaborations between IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Centre.
Spin-off companies like ImmunoACT are working to reduce the cost of this therapy from several crores (global price) to a fraction of that amount, making it accessible to more patients.